Heatless hair curling system and method

ABSTRACT

A heatless hair curling system and method utilizing a flexible heatless curling element that is soft, flexible, compressible, and bendable to be easily positioned onto a person&#39;s head during use and can be folded into a stored position when not in use. During use, the heatless curling rod is configured to maintain its shape for the intended purpose of curling hair without the application of heat.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/183,564, filed May 3, 2021; and U.S. provisional application No. 63/216,483, filed Jun. 29, 2021, both of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Various modern hair styling techniques and devices have been developed and improved to form desirable curls and waves in hair. Often such techniques and devices are complex, time consuming, uncomfortable, and cause hair damage. Typically these devices are rigid tools such as curling irons, wands, ceramic rods, and rollers that apply heat to hair in order to create a temporary curl. Devices utilizing heat to form a curl cause damage to hair from exposure to heat including overheating and burning, especially after repetitive use. Curling tools that require direct contact with heat diminish hair health and cause immediate and long term damage including split ends, breakage, knotting, drying, frizzing, and decreasing shine.

Previous heatless attempts failed to achieve the desired results to create suitable curls. Other heatless curl attempts required multiple different pieces to wrap the hair to be curled and were complicated to use and not very comfortable to use while sleeping. There is a need for a device and method for the creation of curls in hair that does not require the application of heat that is easy to use, and is reproducible, without creating risks to the health of the hair and without creating unnecessary expense, discomfort, or inconvenience for the user.

SUMMARY

The heatless hair curling system and method of the present invention provides a solution to the above needs and avoids the aforementioned negative effects of previous devices and methods.

The heatless hair curling system and method of the present invention is non-damaging to the hair, easy to use, and can be used by people of all ages. The simplicity and versatility of the heatless curling device is what makes it unique. It can be used on dry or damp hair. It works on many different hair lengths and textures. The heatless curling system of the present invention is designed to be worn overnight comfortably.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the heatless hair curling system includes a curling element having an elongated body with a first end and an opposite second end, a length between the first and second ends sufficient to extend below a person's ears when the curling element is placed on top of the person's head, and a width transverse to the length, the length being greater than the width. The curling element being flexible and bendable to generally conform to an external contour of the person's head, the curling element being configured to maintain a fixed shape to hold hair in a curled position during use and having an exterior surface that is substantially smooth. The curling element is configured to be placed and intertwined with the person's hair to form curls in the hair without application of heat to the hair. The curling element preferably has a length in the range of approximately 30 to 39 inches (76-99 cm); has a width in the range of approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to 1.5 inches (3.81 cm); and/or has a ratio of the length: width of approximately 30-39 inches (76-99 cm): 0.5-1.5 inches (1.27-3.81 cm). The heatless hair curling system preferably includes at least one fastener for securing hair to the curling element, The curling element is preferably is made of an internal material that is flexible, compressible, and bendable and an external material that is that is soft and smooth. The internal material comprises at least in part cotton and the external material comprises at least in part silk; and/or at least a portion of the internal material and the external material is moisture absorbent. The curling element has a cross section transverse to the length, the cross section being at least in part circular, The curling element has at least a curved section, a first straight section terminating at the first end, and a second straight section terminating at the second end,

In another embodiment of the present invention, the heatless curling system includes a flexible heatless curling rod. The heatless curling rod has a configuration that is soft, flexible, compressible, and bendable to be easily positioned onto a person's head during use and can be folded into a stored position when not in use, During use, the heatless curling rod is configured to maintain its shape for the intended purpose of curling hair, As used herein, the term “rod” does not mean that the heatless curling rod is rigid like a metal curling iron or ceramic rod which are not suitable for use with the present invention.

To use the heatless hair curling device, a person starts by parting their hair in a desired manner, sectioning it off into two sides, and then placing the flexible heatless curling rod over the person's head, Optionally, a clip can be used to secure the heatless curling rod to the top of the head. Next, the hair is wrapped around the flexible heatless curling rod, piece by piece until all of the hair on that side is wrapped around the curling rod. The wrapped hair is then secured to the curling rod with an elastic band such as a scrunchie. The process is then repeated on the remaining side, For optimal results, it is desirable to wait approximately 1-7 hours to see results, depending on the level of wetness of the hair and thickness of a person's hair. Thinner hair may experience results sooner than thicker hair. The heatless curling rod is then removed from the hair leaving desirable curls.

In an embodiment of the method in accordance with the present invention, the method for heatless curling of hair comprises separating the hair into a first side section of hair and a second side section of hair between opposite sides of a person's head, respectively. Placing a flexible curling element to form a curved section of the curling element at the top of the head and first and second straight sections of the curling element of approximately even length along both sides of the head, the ends of the curling element extending below the ears, respectively. Selecting a first tress of hair on the first side section of hair and wrapping the first tress in a direction around the flexible curling element. Selecting a second tress of hair of the first side section of hair and wrapping the second tress in the same direction of the first tress around the flexible curling element. Using a securing band to secure the first and second tresses of hair to the first straight section of the flexible curling element. Selecting a first tress of hair on the second side section of hair and wrapping the first tress of hair on the section side section the same direction of the first tress of the first side section of hair around the flexible curling element. Selecting a second tress of hair of the second side section of hair and wrapping the second tress of hair of the second side section in the same direction of the first tress around the flexible curling element. It is appreciated that if desired, and depending on the length of the person's hair, subsequent third, fourth, fifth or more tresses of hair can be wrapped around the flexible curling element. Using a second securing band to secure the first and section tresses of the second side section of hair to the second straight section of the flexible curling element. After the hair is allowed to dry naturally without the application of heat, removing the first and second securing bands and then remove the flexible curling element from the hair and the hair remains curled.

The comfortable and hair-friendly design allows for users to leave the heatless curling rod in their hair overnight and wake up with salon quality curls. For those who want to use the curling rod for less time, a styling creme can be applied to the hair or lightly mist the dry hair and leave the heatless curling rod in the hair for approximately 2 hours. If the heatless curling rod is used on damp hair, it may take approximately 3-7 hours to see results depending on how fast the hair takes to fully dry.

Using a conventional heated curling iron or rod requires technique and knowledge of hair styling. The heatless curling rod of the present invention requires minimal effort and hair styling expertise. Often times when using hot tools despite the heat, curls do not hold. The heatless curling rod allows hair to become bouncy, with beautiful curls. With the heatless curling rod of the present invention, users can achieve beautifully curled results all of the time. The heatless curling rod of the present invention is easy to use and healthy for the hair, and most importantly the results are consistent and incredible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the present invention disclosed in the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top, front, left perspective view of a heatless hair curling device in use.

FIG. 2 is front elevation view thereof in use.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view with a first grouping of hair wrapped around a curling rod and a clip for holding it in place.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view with a second grouping of hair wrapped around a curling rod and a clip for holding it in place.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view with a third grouping of hair wrapped around and a clip for holding it in place and securing bands at the ends.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view with groupings of hair wrapped around a curling rod and a clip for holding it in place and securing bands the ends and the ends secured together behind the head.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view with the curling rod removed showing results of curled hair.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view thereof in a stored position.

FIG. 9 is a top, front, left perspective view of a second embodiment of a hair curling device in use with the environment shown in broken line.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the second embodiment of a hair curling device in use with the environment shown in broken line.

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the second embodiment of a hair curling device in use,

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of a hair curling device in use.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of he second embodiment of a hair curling device in use.

FIG. 14 is a left side elevational view of the second embodiment of a hair curling device in use.

FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view of the second embodiment of a hair curling device in use.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the second embodiment of a hair curling device in use in a stored position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, applications and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the attachment of a first feature and a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first feature and the second feature are attached in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be positioned between the first feature and the second feature, such that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Referring to the Figures, an embodiment of a system for curling hair without heat in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system comprises a heatless hair curling rod 100 that is flexible and bendable to generally conform to the external contour of a person's head. Curling rod 100 has a configuration that is soft, flexible, compressible, and bendable to be easily positioned onto a person's head during use and can be folded into a stored position when not in use as shown in FIG. 8. During use, curling rod 100 is configured to maintain its shape for the intended purpose of curling hair. As used herein, the term “rod” does not mean that curling rod 100 is rigid like a metal curling iron or ceramic rod which are not suitable for use with the present invention.

When placed over the head, curling rod 100 is configured to have a curved section 102, a first straight section 104 terminating in a first end 108, and a second straight section 106 terminating in a second end 110.

Curling rod 100 preferably is an elongated member having a generally circular cross-section and an overall generally cylindrical shape. Curling rod 100 is preferably made of an internal material that is preferably 100% cotton covered by an external material of 100% silk that is smooth to allow the hair to easily slide over the exterior of curling rod 100. The exterior of the curling rod 100 is preferably made with 100% silk. Silk provides natural benefits when used with hair including decreasing frizziness, adding shine, preventing breakage, and sealing in the hair's natural moisture. Alternatively, the external material can be a satin, satin-polyester blend, charmeuse, polyester, cotton and or cotton blend, and the like, to form a smooth exterior of curling rod 100 that is not damaging when in contact with the hair.

The interior of curling rod 100 is preferably a 100% cotton material. In a preferred embodiment, the cotton material is surrounded by a netting or similar casing, such as in a cotton welt cord, to aid in the retention of a tubular shape of curling rod 100. Other materials such as foam, cotton blends, and other materials can be damaging to the hair and are less desirable. For example, when placed in direct contact with hair, foam can be rough on the hair and can have negative effects similar to heat exposure. Curling rod 100 itself is preferably light weight for ease of use and comfort so as to not interfere with sleeping. For example, curling rod 100 having a length of 36 inches (91.44 cm) and a diameter of 1.0 inches (2.54 cm) weighs approximately 0.15 lbs (68 grams). When curling rod 100 is assembled in a kit with two securing bands, the overall weight of the kit is approximately 0.26-0.28 lbs (117-127 grams)

Curling rod 100 preferably has a length of approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm) and a diameter of approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm). It is appreciated that the diameter of curling rod 100 can be less or more depending on the size of the hair curls desired and the length can be greater or less depending on the length of the hair for which it is being applied. Other embodiments may have a diameter or approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) for smaller curls or a diameter of 1.5 inches (3.81 cm for larger curls or a diameter of 0.75 inches (1.91 cm) for medium curls. The length in some embodiments can be approximately 30 to 39 inches (76 to 99 cm), for example.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on a first side of person's head a first tress of hair 210 a is wrapped around a portion of straight section 104 of curling rod 100. A second tress of hair 220 a is wrapped around a portion of straight section 104 of curling rod 100. A third tress of hair 230 a is wrapped around a portion of straight section 104 of curling rod 100.

Similarly, on the opposite side of person's head a first tress of hair 210 b is wrapped around a portion of straight section 106 of curling rod 100. A second tress of hair 220 b is wrapped around a portion of straight section 106 of curling rod 100. A third tress of hair 230 b is wrapped around a portion of straight section 106 of curling rod 100.

As shown in FIG. 6, when first tresses 210 a, 220 a, and 230 a are wrapped around curling rod 100, they form a first hair coil 240 a, a second hair coil 250 a, and a third hair coil 260 a, respectively. Similarly, when first tresses 210 b, 220 b, and 230 b are wrapped around curling rod 100, they form a first hair coil 240 b, a second hair coil 250 b, and a third hair coil 260 b, respectively. It is appreciated that if desired, and depending on the length of the person's hair, subsequent fourth, fifth, or more tresses of hair can be wrapped in the same direction around the flexible curling rod 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, a first securing band 300 is used to secure the hair coils to curling rod 100 on one side and a second securing band 310 is used to secure the hair coils on the opposite side of curling rod 100. Securing bands 310, 320 can be elastic and covered by a material suitable for use with hair such as commonly known as a scrunchy.

Referring to FIG. 6, first end 108 and second end 110 of the flexible curling rod 100 can be flexed toward each other and secured together by third securing band 320 positioned behind a person's head.

In an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention, when the hair is damp, separate the hair into two sections down the middle.

Referring to FIG. 2, place flexible curling rod 100 to form curved section 102 at the top of the head with the straight sections 104,106 being approximately even in length along both sides of the head.

Referring to FIG. 3, start by taking a first tress of hair 210 a on a first side of the section of hair and wrapping it in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the flexible curling rod. If desired, hair clip C can be used to attach flexible curling rod 100 to the top of the head.

As shown in FIG. 4, take a second tress of hair 220 a of the first side of the section of hair and wrapping it same direction around the flexible curling rod 100.

Referring to FIG. 5, if desired, and depending on the length of the person's hair, subsequent third, fourth or more tresses of hair can be wrapped in the same direction around the flexible curling rod.

Once completed take the securing band to secure the hair to the first straight section of the flexible curling rod.

When done with the first side, start wrapping the second side in the same direction as the first side.

Then secure the hair on the second side to the curling rod with the second securing band when completed.

As shown in FIG. 6, if desired, the first and second ends of the flexible curling rod can be secured together by the third securing band behind a person head.

Once the hair is completely dry, remove the securing bands and then remove the flexible curling rod. The hair is now curled. If desired, add a touch of hairspray to leave the curls lasting all day.

FIGS. 9-16 show a second embodiment of embodiment of a system for curling hair without heat in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system comprises a heatless hair curling rod 200 that is flexible and bendable to generally conform to the external contour of a person's head, Curling rod 200 has a configuration that is soft, flexible, compressible, and bendable to be easily positioned onto a person's head during use and can be folded into a stored position when not in use as shown in FIG. 16. During use, curling rod 200 is configured to maintain its shape for the intended purpose of curling hair.

Curling rod 200 preferably has a length of approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm) and a diameter of approximately ½ inch (1.27 cm). It is appreciated that the diameter of curling rod 200 can be less or more depending on the size of the hair curls desired and the length can be greater or less depending on the length of the hair for which it is being applied. Other embodiments may have a diameter or approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) for smaller curls or a diameter of 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) for larger curls or 0.75 inches (1.91 cm) for medium curls, or any other diameter suitable for the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the present invention. The length in some embodiments can be approximately 30 inches (76 cm), 34 inches (86 cm) or 39 inches (99 cm), for example, and have a diameter of 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) or 0.75 inch (1.91 cm) or 1.0 inches (2.54 cm), for example, or any combination thereof suitable for the intended purpose of forming hair curls without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those of ordinary skill in the art may better understand various aspects of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of various embodiments introduced herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”, Also, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first element and a second element generally correspond to element A and element B or two different or two identical elements or the same element.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others of ordinary skill in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure comprises all such modifications and alterations. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described features (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such features are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any features which performs the specified function of the described features (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof. 

1. A system for heatless curling of hair, the system comprising: a curling element having an elongated body with a first end and an opposite second end, a length between the first and second ends sufficient to extend below a person's ears when the curling element is placed on top of the person's head, and a width transverse to the length, the length being greater than the width, the curling element being flexible and bendable to generally conform to an external contour of the person's head, the curling element being configured to maintain a fixed shape to hold hair in a curled position during use and having an exterior surface that is substantially smooth; the curling element configured to be placed and intertwined with the person's hair to form curls in the hair without application of heat to the hair.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the curling element has a length in the range of approximately 30 to 39 inches.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the curling element has a width in the range of approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the curling element has a ratio of the length: width of approximately 30-39: 0.5-1.5 inches.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastener for securing hair to the curling element.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the curling element is a rod.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the curling element is made of an internal material that is flexible, compressible, and bendable and an external material that is that is soft and smooth.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the internal material comprises at least in part cotton and the external material comprises at least in part silk.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the internal material and the external material is moisture absorbent.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the curling element has a cross section transverse to the length, the cross section being at least in part circular.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the curling element has at least a curved section, a first straight section terminating at the first end, and a second straight section terminating at the second end.
 12. A method for heatless curling of hair, the method comprising: separating the hair into a first side section of hair and a second side section of hair between opposite sides of a person's head, respectively; placing a flexible curling element to form a curved section of the curling element at the top of the head and first and second straight sections of the curling element of approximately even length along both sides of the head, the ends of the curling element extending below the ears, respectively; selecting a first tress of hair on the first side section of hair and wrapping the first tress in a direction around the flexible curling element; selecting a second tress of hair of the first side section of hair and wrapping the second tress in the same direction of the first tress around the flexible curling element; using a securing band to secure the first and second tresses of hair to the first straight section of the flexible curling element; selecting a first tress of hair on the second side section of hair and wrapping the first tress of hair on the section side section the same direction of the first tress of the first side section of hair around the flexible curling element; selecting a second tress of hair of the second side section of hair and wrapping the second tress of hair of the second side section in the same direction of the first tress around the flexible curling element; using a second securing band to secure the first and section tresses of the second side section of hair to the second straight section of the flexible curling element; and after the hair is allowed to dry naturally without the application of heat, removing the first and second securing bands and then remove the flexible curling element from the hair and the hair remains curled.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising a wrapping a third, fourth or more tresses of hair in the same direction around the flexible curling element.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising securing the first and second ends of the flexible curling element together by a third securing band behind the person's head.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising using a hair dip to attach the flexible curling element to the head at the top of the head.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the curling element has a length in the range of approximately 30 to 39 inches.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the curling element has a width in the range of approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the curling element is made of an internal material that is flexible, compressible, and bendable and an external material that is that is soft and smooth,
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the curling element has a cross section transverse to the length, the cross section being at least in part circular.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the curling element has at least a curved section, a first straight section terminating at the first end, and a second straight section terminating at the second end. 